On the value of location information to lot scheduling in complex manufacturing processes

This research is concerned with the practical use of real-time location systems (RTLSs) in complex manufacturing processes. Starting from the case example of an RFID-based RTLS implementation in a semiconductor fab, we investigate the value of RTLS information on the locations of physical objects in a production system to the problem of efficient job scheduling. For this purpose, we develop a simplified simulation model that captures the main characteristics of the real manufacturing process and propose a set of RTLS-enabled dispatching rules. Our results indicate that the use of RTLS technology provides the opportunity for new levels of process visibility and control in comparison to conventional material-tracking systems. The benefits that can be drawn from the technology include not only an overall acceleration of the existing process but also an additional efficiency gain through novel dispatching rules that take into account real-time information on the logistic processes on the shop floor.